1. He must set his heart to honor God (1-3)

Malachi's name means 'my messenger.' The priests were also God's messengers. God's messenger must set his heart to honor God. If he does not, God's blessing will turn into a curse. God rebuked the priests to help them repent. God wanted the covenant relationship with the Levites to continue.

2. God's covenant of life and peace (4-6)

God ordained the Levites and set them apart to serve him when they stood with Moses in the incident of the golden calf (Ex 32:26,29). Later, God made a covenant with the priest, Phinehas, who defended God's honor (Nu 25:12,13). He walked with God, spoke the truth, and turned many from sin.

3. A priest must be the Lord's messenger (7-9)

But the priests of Malachi's time had turned from God's way and caused the people to stumble by their false teaching.

Application: Lord, teach me to honor and fear you in my heart so that I may be a fruitful Bible teacher.
One Word: Because he is a messenger of the Lord